Coach potatoes start at a young age – Let’s get the kids moving!

Dr Eileen Africa and Sharnay Botha - Children today spend the majority of their day being sedentary. The problem with this is that sedentary children become sedentary adults. The sedentary behaviours are increasing considerably mainly because of: • School environmento Children spend most of their day sitting behind desks.• Poorly implemented Physical Education curriculum in primary schools.o Teachers are not sufficiently trained.o Inadequate facilities and equipment.• Urban settings.o Motorised transport to and from schools.• Safety concerns.o Children can’t play outside.• Easily accessed advanced technology.o One might think that the mobile phones, television, video games, computers and tablets are to blame; however, parents are actually behind their children’s increasingly sedentary behaviours. Although trends in technological advancement make our lives easier in so many ways, it comes at a cost. A recent study has shown that children participate in an average of 3 hours of screen time per day and children before the age of 5 have access to at least 5 screens at home (HAKSA, 2018). This is rather concerning as the younger the child, the more likely technology will affect some aspect of their moral, social, emotional, physical and/or cognitive development. But does screen time always discourage physical activity? Below are some pros and cons of technology:ProsImproved language development using e-books and educational programmes. Enhanced creativity and freedom of expression Develop problem-solving skillsEasier and faster access to information ConsSocial isolationAnxiety and depressionIncreased obesity ratesVision problemsFrequent snackingLong periods of inactivitySleep disruptionThis does not mean that technology is inherently bad. Moderation is key, and it is the parents’ responsibility to ensure healthy boundaries are put in place. It is only bad when overused and or abused. For example, sleeping is good and necessary. However, sleeping the whole day is typically a bad habit leading to negative consequences.Healthy technology habitsSo the question is: Do we go to the extreme and avoid technology all together? Or is there a way to safeguard children from the negative effects of excessive technology use? In a day and age of ‘screenagers’, parents should not be techno-phobic, but allow their children to become techno-savvy. Our children are growing up in an ever-changing world and, unfortunately, parents need to equip them to engage the digital world. Technology is here to stay, unless you want to move your family to the moon. The dual challenge is: How can we lessen the negative effects and maximise the benefits of technology use? Here’s how to get the best of both worlds: • Set strict boundaries – Ways you can do this is to limit screen time, monitor the sites your children access, and switch off all devices during mealtime and 30 minutes before bedtime.• Use active apps - Fitness watches are a great way to track your physical activity levels or you can download apps like ‘Sworkit Kids’. This app provides your child with fun and exciting workouts that can be done anywhere in 5 minutes.• Replace sedentary behaviours and integrate more physical activity into your daily routine. • Invest in an active video game console like Xbox Kinect.*Stellenbosch Kinderkinetics, Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch UniversityKASSIEReferences:ALGHAMDI, Y. (2016). Negative Effects of Technology on Children of Today. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.35724.62089.GRIFFITHS, M. D. (2010). Trends in technological advance: Implications for sedentary behaviour and obesity in screenagers. Education and Health, 28(2): 35-38.HEALTHY KIDS SOUTH AFRICA (HAKSA). (2018). HAKSA Report card. [https://www.westerncape.gov.za/westerncape-on-wellness/files/atoms/files/HAKSA-2018-Report-Card-FINAL.pdf]. Retrieved on 12 September 2019.JONES, R. A., HINKLEY, T., OKELY, A. D., & SALMON, J. (2013). Tracking physical activity and sedentary behavior in childhood: a systematic review. American journal of preventive medicine, 44(6): 651-658.Interesting facts• Bill Gates didn’t allow his children to get mobile phones until they were 14.• Steve Jobs would limit the time his children spent using technology.• Chris Anderson, the CEO of drone maker 3D robotics, institutes time limits and parental controls on every device in his home.• A significant relationship exists between TV viewing and body fatness in children.DefinitionSedentary behaviourThis occurs when one is not physically active for long periods of time and involves activity requiring little energy expenditure.

Coach potatoes start at a young age – Let’s get the kids moving!

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